A/N: Sorry, this chapter has been way too long in the making. I hope it's worth it. In this chapter, Elenwen documents the penultimate day before the "diplomatic immunity" quest, and quite a few of the guests are based on what is sort of cut content from that. Enjoy!

Loredas, 22 Last Seed

Today the embassy was positively thronging with activity, and not only because it is tomorrow that I extend my hospitality to the upper classes of Skyrim, such as they are. In the morning I went over to Northwatch to meet the first detachment of high mages, who have just marched in from Alinor. Thus far they had not been made aware of the current situation in Skyrim, so I was there to provide enlightenment. The mages had suspicious as to the nature of their latest assignment, and rightfully so. To call upon some of the finest minds the Aldmeri Dominion has to offer and use them for mere treaty enforcement duties would be a travesty. The high mages will be needed to help unravel the conundrums of the dragon crisis and besides, their knowledge of the destruction school will be invaluable when the Thalmor is called upon to do battle with a dragon.

I returned to the embassy for luncheon just in time to witness Gissur staring ahead gormlessly as some of the mer tackled a human boy to the ground outside my solar before dragging him screaming into the basement. Such fun. As I had suspected, this was Gissur's witness: I'm to understand he was found in the Riften jail, serving a fortnight for petty thievery. The jailor barely glanced at Gissur's warrant before turning him over. Nobody will be missing him. But until we confirm his story, Gissur isn't getting paid, nor is he permitted to leave the embassy.

Sadly, what with so much else going on this weekend I won't have a chance to interrogate the prisoner myself. And I was so looking forward to consummating my new thumbscrews. I suppose Esbern will be given that honor. The Third Emissary believes that a mere two days should tell the tale. But there again, Rulindil is more straight to the point in matters of "forced diplomacy". He prefers a traditional lumbar extension on the rack, or simply having one of the soldiers bludgeon the prisoner into submission, rather than delving into more creative methods.

Meanwhile, I've been busy making final preparations for my ambassador's reception tomorrow evening. I always wish I could host them more often, except for on the penultimate day when all the civilians running underfoot tends to be an awful distraction. But really, I do love to take on the role of hostess. It's also a great opportunity to learn the latest gossip, and hear all the most intriguing rumours: who's got a Talos shrine in their basement? Who lives next door to a fugitive Blades agent? These things tend to slip once someone's been indulged the finest of hospitality.

I must say that the turnout has been most pleasing this time around, with all of the Imperial Jarls in attendance as well as many other thanes and important persons. Unfortunately Third Emissary Rulindil will not be present, as he feels the need to press on with the interrogation surpasses his duties as a diplomat. I've made some quick notes on a few of the most interesting guests below:

Maven Black-Briar: As the matriarch of Skyrim's most influential clan, it's no secret that Maven has monopolized Skyrim's mead industry and runs the Rift from behind the scenes. Luckily for us, however, Maven respects power, and naturally respects the Thalmor. In the past she has been most helpful in letting the Justiciars in the Rift go about their duties unhindered by Nord rabble, as well as using her influence in the Jarl's court to do certain "favours" for my government. I'll be sure to make some passing inquiries as to Esbern's whereabouts. I'm always pleasantly surprised to learn what Maven's thieves guild contacts are reporting.

Vittoria Vici - not is Vittoria only the head of the East Empire company's operations in Skyrim, but she is also first cousin to Emperor Titus Mede II. The Aldmeri Dominion is always looking to expand its shipping operations in southern Hammerfell and the Gold Coast, which I suspect will become particularly useful during the Second War, so it is particularly important to give this prestigious young lady a taste if the benefits that are accrued to those who align themselves with Thalmor interests in hope that she might be inclined to sign a few business deals, even in light of her cousin's certain protests. I also understand she is to be wed to Asgeir Snow-Shod, son of a Stormcloak family and incidentally one of Maven's business partners. From what I've heard, it sounds like another ill-advised attempt at reconciliation, alas a very precarious arrangement to be tampering with at the moment given the circumstances. After all, I wouldn't want to be the one to dismember the bride, figuratively speaking. I'm sure someone else will do that for me soon enough anyway.

Commander Ondolemar is one of my foremost "Talos-hunters", currently overseeing our operations in the Reach. If not only for the complimentary buffet, Ondolemar likes to be invited to my parties so he can sneer at Skyrim's aristocracy and berate the Empire's inadequacies. I've asked him to be polite and take a diplomatic approach, but even that seems difficult for a young and ambitious officer at times.

Balgruuf the Greater, Jarl of Whiterun: Somewhat grudgingly, Balgruuf has accepted my invitation. I would hazard a guess that this is why he is being accompanied by his apologetic Imperial steward, Proventus Avenicci, as if to keep the Jarl from saying something he'll regret later on. An amusing thought. He must be most upset about his watchtower being burned down.

Elisif the Fair, Jarl of Solitude: Following her husband's most unfortunate demise at the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak, Elisif is set to become the next client queen of Skyrim. A mere figurehead, of course, with the Imperial governor and therefore the Thalmor holding all the real influence, but what with the Nords being so easily pleased it's still important to nurture good relations with Skyrim's prospective monarch at this stage.

Erikur, Thane of Solitude: Unlike the average denizen of Skyrim, Erikur is not obsessed with honor and skill at arms. Far from it, in fact. Instead, he has come to epitomize a certain pretentious niche in Skyrim's aristocracy that all too readily reminds me of the obsequious nobles I had to deal with every day at the Cyrodiil embassy. Of course, he says all the right things to try and impress his Elven masters, but really its the personal financial gain that is his sole motivation in doing so.

General Tullius - I like to invite the Imperial governor to my parties to remind everyone of the Empire's place in the grand scheme of things. Besides, I wouldn't want the good General to miss out on the festivities - not that he'd dare to. I just hope that this time my attempts to emphasize the formal dress code in my invitations don't go unnoticed, and for once he'll come wearing something other than that ridiculous Legion skirt.

Idgrod Ravencrone, Jarl of Morthal: In the past Idgrod has come across as somewhat superstitious, and even distrusting of the Thalmor. It is my hope that we can rectify these disturbing feelings by showing the Jarl that we reward our friends well.

Igmund, Jarl of Markarth: Ever since Igmund's embarrassing involvement with the Markarth incident, he has leapt at every opportunity to make amends. I appreciate the effort, but words are one thing, and actions are another. The Reach remains the most problematic of the Imperial holds, despite all of Commander Ondolemar's efforts to the contrary, so it would appear that perhaps the Jarl is not pulling his weight, so to speak. I'd hate to upset the festive atmosphere, but I feel that I may have to have a word with Igmund at some point.

Orthus Endario: I haven't met Orthus before, but he's head of the East Empire Company in Windhelm. I wasn't even aware the East Empire Company still existed in Windhelm until a few weeks ago, but Vittoria explained to me that his branch has fallen on hard times as of late, having to contend with third-rate Argonian and Dunmer labor as well as pirate attacks. I'll be sure to inquire further into the matter when we meet. Surely the company would be most attracted to the lucrative offer of protection from such unsavoury characters when running Thalmor trade routes.

Razelan: A fine specimen of humanity if ever there was one. Vittoria assures me that he is the communications director of the East Empire Company in Skyrim. If that's so then the company has certainly relaxed its standards in recent years. Last time he was already intoxicated upon arrival and made a dreadful scene by upsetting the carvery and spilling alto wine down the Third Emissary's uniform. Rzelan's antics are also remembered somewhat vividly by the soldiers, who were once called upon to extricate his unconscious person from the roof of the barracks. Malborn is to refuse him bar service should he arrive in such a state.

Siddgeir, Jarl of Falkreath: Siddgeir is one of the few Jarls who can not only lay aside the foolish notions of what the Nords would call honor, but can also appreciate my taste in fine food and wine. Most importantly of all, he respects the importance of the Thalmor's diplomatic mission to Skyrim, and our invaluable work in rooting out the forbidden Talos worship wherever it might be found. A fine example of what can become of a Nord who puts in a bit of effort to accept change.

I plan to start the evening with the alto wine, Arenthia red and even Colovian brandy of all things. I'd always regarded brandy as an after-dinner drink, but apparently conventions are different in Cyrodiil. Later on I'll open a case of Firebrand wine, a heavy red with a potent nose and a curious warming sensation to it. And of course, there'll be the mandatory kegs of mead to keep some of the more "simple" Jarls happy. Black-Briar brand only, of course, so as not to upset Maven. I'll also be treating the guests to an expansive help-yourself banquet, featuring all the finest foods (for Skyrim, at least). As usual Tsavanni is doing an excellent job with presentation. You'd never have guessed it was all locally sourced. It's occasions such as this that allow me to overlook the odd Skooma-induced stupor or stray fur in my food.

In unrelated matters, I overheard some of the off-duty soldiers talking about some guardsman down in Solitude who is being given his last meal this evening. His crime: opening the city gate, thus allowing Ulfric Stormcloak to walk away from the city a free man after killing Torygg. It seems that if the man himself slips from the Empire's grasp, they're just as happy to soothe their wounded pride by taking the next asset to the crime and chopping their head off. I might use that to relieve some formality tomorrow, just to see General Tullius cringe.